TUNACONS announced on X that NIRSA was recognized in the Marine Stewardship Council’s Sustainable Tuna Yearbook 2025 for its commitment to responsible tropical tuna harvesting.
According to the Marine Stewardship Council's Sustainable Tuna Yearbook 2025, TUNACONS is highlighted as a global example of fisheries sustainability due to its ongoing commitment to marine conservation and responsible practices in the harvesting of tropical tunas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The yearbook, released in commemoration of World Tuna Day, provides an authoritative analysis on the world's market for sustainable tuna, showcasing success stories like TUNACONS that contribute to the growing availability of sustainably sourced tuna products. This recognition underscores TUNACONS's role in promoting sustainable fishing practices and its impact on the global tuna market.
American Greatness reports that NIRSA, one of Ecuador’s largest seafood companies and the producer of the "Real" brand, is a founding member of TUNACONS, a coalition of seafood producers committed to sustainability. The company operates some of the most advanced processing facilities in South America and complies with strict environmental and traceability standards set by U.S. and European markets. NIRSA employs non-entangling nets, biodegradable fishing gear, and onboard waste management systems, and is actively working toward carbon-neutral certification.
Despite its strong export record and partnerships with major U.S. seafood distributors, NIRSA continues to face unresolved visa restrictions affecting several top executives, according to Federal Newswire. The U.S. State Department revoked their visas during the Biden administration without explanation, despite confirming the actions were not linked to any criminal charges. These restrictions have hindered NIRSA’s leadership from attending trade events, meeting with U.S. buyers, and advocating for the company’s sustainability efforts in key policy circles.
TUNACONS (Tuna Conservation Group) is a nonprofit foundation formed by leading tuna companies in the Eastern Pacific Ocean to promote sustainable purse-seine fishing through science-based practices, technical training, and environmental stewardship. Since launching a Fishery Improvement Project in 2017, TUNACONS has achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.